Abhishek Nayar bids adieu to first-class cricket
Abhishek Nayar -a well-noted name for the past many years in Indian domestic circuit- has announced retirement from first-class cricket.
The all-rounder informed the BCCI and the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) about his decision to quit the game in September, as per a TOI report.
Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, Nayar wrote, "it's been an absolute honour and I'm grateful for all the support I've received through my playing career. Gave it my everything and like they say, 'no regrets no comebacks. It's time to move on. Thank you, everyone."
It's been an absolute honour and I'm grateful for all the support I've received through my playing career.Gave it my everything and like they say 'no regrets no comebacks'.its time to move on...thank you everyone for… https://t.co/oqYs3wK30u
— abhishek nayar (@abhisheknayar1) October 23, 2019
In a career spanning over thirteen years, Nayar stood as one of the key members in helping Mumbai script Ranji glory. Eventually, the cricketer was presented with an opportunity to play along with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sanath Jayasuriya and Shaun Pollock when the Mumbai Indians had picked him in the IPL 2008 auction. A skilful all-rounder is known for his hard-hitting abilities and seam bowling, Nayar's consistent performances in domestic cricket earned him a spot in the national team as well. The Mumbaikar had debuted for India in 2009 but failed to seal his spot in the side.
Nayar got back to scoring runs in domestic cricket and went on to frame an illustrious first-class career. In 103 first-class games, the 36-year-old accounts for 5749 runs, 13 centuries, 32 half-centuries and 173 wickets. Along with the highest score of 259, Nayar also holds credit for six five-wicket hauls.
Apart from catching the eye with his impressive performances on the field, the first-class cricket giant has also been acknowledged for mentoring several cricketers including Dinesh Karthik, Unmukt Chand, and Shreyas Iyer among others.
Of-late, Nayar has been assuming coaching and mentoring roles in domestic leagues. For IPL 2019, the former Mumbai player served as the lead coach and mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders. This season, he has been assigned the duties of KKR's assistant coach. Nayar will be working along former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum, who has been appointed as the head coach of the Kolkata-based franchise.